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Matthew 1:7-11

Matthew has traced the legal genealogy of Jesus from the Seed of Abraham through the tribe of Judah to
the ascent of David to the throne. The LORD consolidated the whole nation of Israel under David, gave
David peace from his enemies all around, and even extended Israels dominion.

This was the highest point of Davids rule - and of the kingdom of Israel, in general. But due to Davids
great sin with Bathsheba, the LORD allowed Davids reign to be challenged by constant warfare, with David
fighting to hold on to the realm which the LORD had given him.

After David died, his son Solomon ruled in his place, and the LORD established the kingdom, under him (1
Ki 2:12). Now, Solomon was not the firstborn son of David - in fact, David had many sons through other
wives, before him. But Solomon was specifically chosen by the LORD to be the heir to Davids throne (1 Ki
2:15, 1 Chr 22:9).

And the OT record mentions at the birth of that son that Solomon was loved by the LORD - and thus given
the additional name Jedidiah through the prophet Nathan - beloved of the LORD (2 Sa 12:24-25). What
a wonderful start, for Solomon - to be given a name which would always remind him that the LORD loved
him.

Turn to First Kings chapter 3. We have seen that David was not perfect - neither as a person nor as a king.
However, David was always faithful to the LORD, worshiping the LORD with single-hearted devotion; and he
whole-heartedly trusted the LORD to be his protection. But after David died, and Solomon succeeded him to
the throne, we begin to see indications that Solomon might not have the same heart, as his father.

[First Kings 3:1-15]

v. 1 Solomon was a young man at this time; perhaps twenty years of age. This marriage was no doubt part
of the political alliance that Solomon made with Pharaoh. Its likely that this was not an alliance for
protection - just for continued peace and good will, between the two nations. But it was through this first
alliance that Solomon grew acquainted with having foreign wives.

The mention is made of Solomon bringing his new wife to the city of David - Jerusalem - until he had
finished building his own house, and the house of the LORD.

Remember that David had desired to build the LORD a house. The LORD had prophesied through Nathan that
Davids son, Solomon, would build the LORD a house - the temple in Jerusalem (2 Sam 7:13).

Later, the LORD revealed that this was because David was a man of war; but that his son Solomon would be
a man of peace; the LORD would give Solomon rest from his enemies all around, until close to the end of his
life (1 Chr 22:7-10). Solomons name means peaceableness.

The two houses that Solomon would build, mentioned in this verse, reflect what would become a divided
loyalty, on Solomons part - between his own house, filled with his idolatrous wives, and the house of the
LORD - and the LORDs claim, on Solomon. But this would only become manifest much later, in Solomons
life.

Lets continue.
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v. 2-3 The high places were mountaintops where the Canaanites used to offer their idolatrous worship. The
people were using those places to offer worship to the LORD, and Solomon was doing so, as well.

This compromise in true worship was not pleasing to the LORD, but notice what else is said; that Solomon
loved the LORD, and walked in obedience with Him - except in this regard. This statement implies that
Solomon truly believed in the LORD, and had learned to submit to Him.

v. 4 David had brought the ark up to Jerusalem, and pitched a tent for it there; but the Tabernacle of
meeting was still in Gibeon (2 Chr 2:3). Solomon offered sacrifice on the altar of burnt offering, there.

v. 5-7 Notice the relationship between Solomon and the LORD, shown through the communication in his
dream. Solomon is not literally a little child; he just recognizes that he is completely inexperienced, as
king.

v. 8-9 Solomon was asking for wisdom to govern the LORDs people - so that he might serve them well, as
their king. The selflessness of Solomons prayer was pleasing to the LORD.

v. 10-13 So the LORD gave Solomon wisdom to rule - and even gave him things he didnt ask for - riches
and honor - renown.

v. 14 So here was a promise to Solomon, personally - if he walked in obedience with the LORD, the LORD
would give him a long life.

v. 15 Solomon returned to Jerusalem and made offerings before the ark of the covenant - where the LORDs
presence dwelt. His offerings reflected Christ in His complete obedience, and as the One who would
reconcile man with God. This might well have reflected Solomons mind, at this time - in his own
personal peace with the LORD, and his dedication to Him.

Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD, according to the pattern the LORD had given to David
(1 Chr 11:28:11-13). It took seven years to complete the house of the LORD, including its furnishings. But
the record then goes on to note that it took Solomon thirteen years to build his own house (1 Ki 6:38, 7:1).
Solomon spent almost twice as long building his own house; no doubt to accommodate his growing number
of wives.

When the house of the LORD was complete, the priests brought the ark and all the holy furnishings up to
Jerusalem; and when the ark was set in the temple, in the Most Holy Place, and the priests came out, the
cloud of glory filled the house of the LORD, indicating the LORDs presence (1 Ki 8:3-11).

All the assembly of Israel gathered in Jerusalem at the temple, as Solomon prayed a prayer of the
dedication of this house, to the LORDs purposes. We find this in First Kings chapter 8.

[First Kings 8:22-30]

v. 22-26 The LORDs word would be true for Solomon initially, while he continued to walk with the LORD,
as David did.

v. 27-30 Who is Your servant, in these verses? Solomon.

So Solomon recognized that no building could ever contain the true and living God. But he also
understood that the LORDs presence would be manifest, in the temple.
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In that respect, it was the place where the LORDs people could come to meet with Him; to pray to Him; to
offer sacrifices to Him - for their acceptance by the LORD, and for the remission of their sins.

And as the LORD heard His people, Solomon was asking that the LORD would forgive them. Solomon was
seeking - for himself and for the people - a state of unbroken relationship with the LORD.

On the one hand, Solomon understood that there is no one who does not sin (8:46); but on the other hand,
he recognized that the temple was now the place where Israel could make atonement, for their sin, through
the offering of sacrifices to the LORD - sacrifices that the LORD had revealed to Israel - which picture the
sacrifice of His Coming One, the Messiah.

Solomon was asking on that basis for the LORD to hear His people, and forgive them. Would the LORD do
that? Yes - on that basis, He would.

After Solomon had finished praying to the LORD (v. 31-53), he then addressed the people.

v. 54-61 Solomon recognized that, for the LORD to maintain the cause of His people, the people must be
loyal to Him, and walk obediently in His ways - including Solomon himself.

Notice Solomons statement in verse 60 - the LORD is God; there is no other.

After this, the LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, indicating that He did hear his prayer, and had
consecrated the temple - putting His name there, forever.

As long as Solomon and the people walked in uprightness before the LORD, He would be with them, and
they would not fail to have a descendant of David on the throne of Israel. But if they forsook the LORD to
embrace other gods, calamity would be brought upon them - and on the temple (9:1-9).

For many years, Solomon walked with the LORD. And the LORD gave Solomon great wisdom, to rule his
people - and great wealth, and renown, just as the LORD had promised.

But it would seem that, as much as the LORD loved Solomon, there was something in Solomon which
refused to find his satisfaction in that love. We can surmise this because Solomon was constantly seeking
satisfaction through earthly love - the love of women.

Turn to First Kings chapter 11.

[First Kings 11:1-13]

v. 1-3 The peoples mentioned are enemies of Israel, as well as being idolaters. The LORD had warned Israel
against intermarriage with them, in particular for Israels kings (Deut 17:17). But Solomon consistently
turned a deaf ear to the LORDs admonition concerning this, instead choosing to follow the pattern of kings
of the east, with their harems.

We read, Solomon clung to these in love (v. 2) No doubt, the physical relationship predominated; but of
course this created a bond between each of the wives with Solomon; a bond that, in his old age, caused
Solomon to compromise his relationship with the LORD.

v. 4-8 Now, our first thought is likely to be, How is it possible for Solomon, who showed such whole-
hearted devotion to the LORD for so long, to have his heart turned after other gods?
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The earlier accounts make it virtually certain that Solomon was a genuine believer in the LORD; so how
could he possibly be worshiping idols, if that was so?

But notice it says that Solomons wives turned his heart after other gods (v. 4). And after the list of things
that Solomon did - things that were evil in the sight of the LORD - in verse 8, it says that Solomon did
likewise for all his foreign wives.

The most likely explanation is that Solomon went after other gods in the sense of building areas of worship
to accommodate the idolatry of his wives.

Solomon gave in to them; he compromised, for the sake of their affections, which he still sought.
Nehemiah would later write that among many nations, there was no king like Solomon, who was beloved
of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, pagan women caused even him to sin
(Neh 13:26).

But even if this was the extent of it, the LORD still regarded it as Solomon himself giving these false gods
worship, and forsaking the LORD (11:33). And so it was - Solomon was acknowledging the reality of these
gods; by his actions, Solomon was effectively demonstrating their power, through his wives, over Solomon
himself.

In addition, Solomons actions would cause many in Israel to return to idolatrous worship of these so-called
gods. It was a terrible sin, on the part of Solomon, even if he did not personally participate in the worship
himself.

The chastening of the LORD was swift, and severe. Because Solomon did not keep what the LORD entrusted
to him, the kingdom would be torn away from Solomon. But because the LORD had promised David that
the kingdom would not depart from Solomon as it had from Saul (2 Sam 7:15), the LORD would do it in the
days of Solomons son and heir to the throne, Rehoboam (11:11-12).

And since the LORD had further promised David that his house and kingdom would be established forever,
one tribe would be left to Solomons son Rehoboam - the tribe of Judah (11:13).

Most of the kingdom would be given to a servant of Solomon, who would rebel against him. There would
be no more peace, for Solomons kingdom; adversity followed him all the remaining days of his life (11:14-
25). Solomon had divided his loyalty to the LORD; so now the kingdom would be divided, after him.

Solomon reigned a total of 40 years, from the time that he was around twenty. He lived about 60 years -
somewhat shorter than the seventy years which was average for man (Ps 90:10). It would seem that
because of Solomons disobedience, the LORD did not give him length of days (1 Ki 3:14).

But we cant help but wonder - did Solomon ever repent? We dont see evidence of it in the historical
records of the kings (Kings, Chronicles). But I think we can see a hint of it in a great book of wisdom, that
Solomon wrote when he was old - Ecclesiastes.

Turn to Ecclesiastes chapter 7, where we find a series of interesting comments by Solomon - regarding
women.

[Ecclesiastes 7:25-29]
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v. 25-26 Was Solomon thinking of his foreign wives here - whose hearts had ensnared him, so that he
foolishly decided to compromise himself with their desire to pursue idolatrous worship?

Solomon continues with his personal testimony.

v. 27-29 Solomon is saying that he had not found one woman among a thousand; and remember, a
thousand is the number of Solomons wives. Solomon had not found one among them with whom he could
have a meaningful relationship; who satisfied his desire to be truly loved; thats why he kept acquiring
wives. Verse 29 suggests that Solomon may have held his scheming wives as somewhat accountable for his
own sin - as they were.

Did you notice that, although Solomon did not find one woman in a thousand, he did seem to find one man,
with whom he could have a meaningful personal relationship? I couldnt help but wonder if Solomon was
referring to having finally found satisfaction in his relationship with the LORD - in the Coming One.

Now turn to chapter 12. Solomon is summarizing his thoughts, on the meaning of life, for man.

[Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, 13-14]

v. 1 Solomon says, remember your Creator - now, while you are young. Keep Him as the focal point of
your existence. Dont forget about Him; He is the one who gives purpose and meaning to your life. If
instead you only remember Him in your old age, you have lost all of your productive years - when you
could have made your life count, for Him.

As Solomon goes on, his imagery portrays a body that is aging, and finally, drawing near to death.

v. 2 The sun, moon and stars darkened reflect the twilight years of life; that is the time when clouds -
sorrows, troubles - tend to quickly return. Solomon is saying, remember your Creator before that time.
And he continues with a portrait of the afflictions of old age, that weigh a person down.

v. 3 The keepers of the house - the hands - tremble; the strong men - the legs - are weak. What are the
grinders? The teeth - you lose them. How about those that look through the windows? The eyes; you
cant see well.

v. 4 The doors are shut - those are the lips. You dont have much to say. And those remaining grinders?
They dont chew so well, anymore!

And you rise up at the sound of a bird - or maybe even before. Light sleep, so youre tired, all the time.
And the daughters of music - the ears - they cant hear well, anymore. You have to ask people to repeat
what theyre saying - or just let their words pass you by.

v. 5 An old body has to fear falling, and tripping, and a misstep. Almond blossoms are white; as they
blossom against the dark bark, can you see the idea? Gray hair!

Even a grasshopper would be considered a burden - when the body is exceedingly weak. And desire fails -
all desire; everything takes too much energy.

Until, finally, death takes the body - theres the funeral. But the man goes to his eternal home - with the
LORD, or separated from him, forever.
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Solomon continues with images of objects that have lost their usefulness; that no longer serve the purpose
for which they were made.

v. 6-8 Apart from God, its all meaningless. So remember your Creator, says Solomon. Dont forget about
Him, for a moment. For you will stand before Him, in the end.

Skip down to verse 13, and well read Solomons conclusion.

v. 13-14 Solomon also wrote, the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the
Holy One is understanding (Prov 9:10). He is the beginning of true Life. And then the rest of Life is to
keep His commandments - to live a life of loving obedience to the LORD. This is mans all - as a creation
which fulfills the purpose of its Creator.

Do these passages not suggest that Solomon repented of his terrible sin, as he approached the end of his
life? That he finally found soul satisfaction, in really getting to know the Holy One of Israel - the Messiah?
Solomon may have forgotten about his Creator for a time; but I do think he remembered the LORD, by the
end.

Lets return to Matthew chapter 1.

Well continue with the genealogy in verse 7.

[Matthew 1:7-11]

v. 7-10 As the LORD foretold, the kingdom became divided in the days of Solomons son, Rehoboam. Ten
tribes of Israel to the north followed Jeroboam, who was a servant of Solomon, who rebelled against him -
as Solomon had, against the LORD.

Jeroboam established the kingdom to the north, known as Israel or Samaria. Judah to the south remained
faithful to Rehoboam, along with the tribe of Benjamin (1 Ki 12:21-24). There was war between
Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of their lives.

The kingdoms became fixed, in their division. Israel to the north was governed by an unending series of
wicked kings, who forsook the LORD in their pursuit of idolatry, along with the people of the tribes that
adhered to them. This brought judgment more quickly on Israel, being carried away captive by the
Assyrians in 722 BC.

Judah to the south experienced periodic reforms under kings who chose to believe and follow the LORD -
notably, Jehoshaphat, Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah.

The other kings did evil in the sight of the LORD, many forsaking Him, and promoting idolatry among the
people, including Baal worship. These kings also made alliances for protection with wicked nations,
instead of trusting the LORD. In them, we see Ezekiels portrait of Jerusalem as the adulterous harlot (Eze
16).

Lets continue with verse 11.

v. 11 The great wickedness of the two kings that preceded Josiah sealed the judgment of the kingdom of
Judah. But because Josiah followed the LORD with all of his heart and brought reform to Judah during his
lifetime, the LORD delayed His judgment until Josiah had died.
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Four evil kings succeeded Josiah to the throne. Matthew qualifies these as Jeconiah and his brothers, using
the word brothers with its broader meaning of members of his family.

Josiahs son Jehoahaz reigned only three months, before being deposed by the Pharaoh and taken into exile
in Egypt, where he died. This Pharaoh made another son of Josiah his puppet-king, through whom he took
tribute, from Judah - you might call it, protection money.

But then Nebuchadnezzar, of the ascending empire of Babylon, came and he made Judah a vassal nation -
to pay tribute, also. After three years, the kingdom of Judah rebelled - despite repeated warnings from the
LORD through His prophets to repent, and to submit to this chastening (2 Chr 36:12-16, Jer 25:3-11, 27:1-
11).

What followed were three successive waves of invasion by Nebuchadnezzar, who laid siege to Jerusalem.
Each time he took the reigning king of Judah captive: two of the sons of Josiah, and a grandson - this was
Jehoiachin, also known as Jeconiah - thats the name that Matthew uses - or Coniah - the shortened form
that the prophet Jeremiah used.

The record of the kings says that Jehoiachin did evil in the sight of the LORD (2 Chr 36:9) - and he only
reigned for 3 months.

Jeremiah spoke a prophecy concerning Jehoiachin which is pertinent to our genealogy in Matthew. We find
this in Jeremiah chapter 22.

[Jeremiah 22:24-30]

v. 24-25 Notice that the prophecy of the LORD uses the shortened form of the kings name - which removes
from it the part that refers to Jehovah. It would seem the idea is that Jehovah has no part, in this king.

The signet ring of the king is the symbol of his authority. This king does not represent the LORDs authority,
in Judah, as so he will be removed - and placed in the hand of the king of Babylon.
v. 26-27 Coniah will die in exile.

v. 28 The LORD uses a broken idol to represent Coniah. Because this king would not submit to the LORD, he
didnt serve the LORDs purpose, as ruler of His people; he was useless, powerless - like the idols that the
people of Judah were embracing.

v. 29-30 The word of the LORD is that Coniah would be written down as childless. Now, Jeconiah had
wives, who were taken into captivity with him (2 Ki 24:15); and he apparently had seven sons, while in
Babylon (1 Chr 3:17-18). The idea is that none of these sons would sit on the throne of David; so it was as
if Jeconiah was childless.

This was when Gentile dominion over the nation of Israel would begin - with the Babylonian rule, over
them. And notice that the prophecy says that none of Jeconiahs descendants would sit on throne of David,
ruling anymore in Judah - speaking of all future generations.

Jeconiah and his family were carried off into captivity in Babylon. His uncle was placed by Babylon on the
throne, but was never counted as a rightful king of Judah; Jeconiah was regarded as the last king.
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Following Judahs continued rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar returned and made his final siege of Jerusalem; it
was destroyed. The temple was razed, and its furnishings became the spoils of war, for Nebuchadnezzar.
Those who survived the siege and the ensuing battle were carried off captive to Babylon in 586 BC. The
poorest of the poor were left to see to it that the land remained arable.

As prophesied, Jeconiah died in Babylon - although eventually, he was released from imprisonment, and
given the privilege of eating at the kings table. And as prophesied, none of his descendants ever sat on
Davids throne. The calamity that the LORD had prophesied for Judah and her kings forsaking Him had
fully come to pass (1 Ki 9:6-9).

But that leaves us with some questions. What about the LORDs prophecy to David - that He would
establish the throne of Davids kingdom, forever? It seems like there no longer is a throne - and doesnt the
prophecy of Jeremiah confirm this?

And finally, what about the earlier prophecy to Judah - that the scepter would not depart from Judah? It
certainly seems like it has departed!

But things are not always as they seem. And next week, well look at just how these prophecies relate to
one another - and how they will ultimately come to pass.

Reading: Gen 49:8-11, Eze 19, Num 22:1-6, 24:15-17, Rm 1:1-4, Heb 1:8-9.